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RUNNING: Chambersburg Half Marathon to draw hundreds

From staff reports

Updated:
02/26/2013 06:53:01 PM EST

The 34th annual Chambersburg Half Marathon is set for March 9 at 8:30 a.m. The race, dedicated in recent years to the late Robert Eyer Sr., is renowned as one of the premier local races given the inexpensive registration cost.

Without purchasing a T-shirt, early registration (postmarked by this Saturday) is $35; late registration is $40.

"I've been told that this is the best smalltown race in the U.S. for the money," co-race director and former Chambersburg Road Runners Club president Mike Hayduk said.

It's expected that about 350 runners will participate in the race, which starts and ends at Chambersburg Area Middle School South. Already 150 runners have registered online. Unlike in past years, this year's winners will receive medal awards, in addition to cash prizes, as opposed to the traditional trophies of the past.

The course is no walk in the park, creating for an experience that attracts serious competition.

Hayduk said, "Many runners use this race to qualify for (the Boston Marathon)."

"There are a number of hills," current Chambersburg Road Runners Club president Tim Fisler said. "A lot of times runners look for a race advertising something flat or downhill. We can't advertise either of those things."

Fisler said the race continues to be an early spring highlight for the community.

"It's a small-town race," Fisler said. "We do it very simply, but it's something local people look forward to.

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People come back and have run it for years and years."

One of the familiar faces participating once again will be former women's champion Susan Graham-Gray.

Fisler said, "Susan Graham-Gray has been a champion a number of times in years past. She's legally blind and is a Chambersburg resident. She had qualified for the Olympic trials and ran those in 2008."

Graham-Gray held the course record until 2008 when Molly Pritz finished in a time of 1:21:01.

Shippensburg track and field coach Steve Spence - a former U.S. Olympic marathoner runner - still holds the course record for the men from his 2001 finish in 1:08:12.

For more information on race registration go to the event's website (www.chambersburghalf.org).

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Chambersburg Half Marathon

Race data: Saturday, March 9, at CAMS South, 8:30 a.m.

Entry fees: Early registration: postmarked by March 2; $45 with long-sleeve T-shirt, $40 without shirt ... Late registration: $50 with shirt, $40 without.